Keating is now looking to get over the split by staying in Australia, where he works as an X Factor judge alongside Mel B, former Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian and ex-Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

"Really things never recovered after Ronan's affair," a source told The Mirror. "They've been determined to do their best for the sake of their children, but things have finally reached a head.

"Ronan has been working in Australia a lot on the X Factor and he loves it. He's already been spending half of the year there and is planning to make the move permanent. Obviously, he will make plenty of trips to Ireland to see his family and children."

The source continued: "He genuinely loves Yvonne and always has, and regrets the situation, but is doing his level best to cope with it and keep things steady for their kids."

A separate insider added: "Ronan's career has really taken off in Australia. He's become a big star out there and he loves the lifestyle.

"He's going to spend a bit of time working things out with Yvonne here, but once the Aussie X Factor auditions begin in May, don't expect him back. He did hope to patch things up again with Yvonne, but all the time in the world couldn't mend all the problems they have going on behind the scenes."